MADISON – A state treasurer candidate was fired from his job at U.S. Bank because officials there considered his campaign to be a conflict of interest as the bank sought a contract with the state that could result in $10 million worth of business.

Republican Travis Hartwig of Oak Creek said Monday in a statement his employment was terminated by U.S. Bank Fund Services because he refused to drop out of the race.

Hartwig's campaign was considered by U.S. Bank officials to be a conflict of interest because the bank does work with state agencies and because the bank is currently seeking a $10 million contract with the state, according to emails from human resources officials provided to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Hartwig's attorney.

Department of Administration spokesman John Dipko said U.S. Bank currently has a contract with the state for "enterprise banking services" through 2019, and that the state currently is seeking bids for the same services beyond 2019.

Cheryl Leamon, spokeswoman for U.S. Bank, said the bank has a "strong conflict of interest policy" to ensure the bank is able to operate "ethically and transparently."

She said the bank could not comment further on employee issues "to ensure employee privacy."

According to the emails, Hartwig was given an ultimatum on June 13 to either drop out of the campaign and stay at U.S. Bank in Milwaukee, or leave the bank and stay in the campaign, because the bank determined "there is substantial risk to the bank if you are allowed to continue in your campaign for Wisconsin State Treasurer while employed at (the bank)."

Hartwig, who worked with mutual funds for the bank, said he refused to quit, so he was fired on July 2.

HR officials told Hartwig in April U.S. Bank staff may "generally" serve in an elected or government-appointed office if doing so doesn't interfere with job performance, doesn't require company time or resources, or doesn't present a conflict of interest.

After HR officials discovered the potential contract with the state, Hartwig was asked to either exit the race or leave his job.

Hartwig said he considered the termination to be bullying candidates into not seeking public office.

“Actions like this termination are clearly discriminatory and discourage citizens from involvement in their communities.” Hartwig said.

He added he's "just trying to make my little impact, and if that results in U.S. Bank to change their policy ... that would be a positive.”

Nate Cade, an attorney who represents Hartwig, said he plans to file a formal complaint over the matter with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Fair Employment Practices Agency.

Hartwig is one of six candidates seeking the office and has pledged to devote full-time attention to the position if elected.

Also seeking the office is Republican Jill Millies of Big Bend, and Democrats Dawn Marie Sass of Belleville, Cynthia Kaump of Madison, Sarah Godlewski of Madison, and Constitution Party candidate Andrew Zuelke of Ripon.